Literacy Untangled Podcast

#48 The Unexpected Helper: How Equine Therapy Benefits Dyslexic Students

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Ever wondered if the key to unlocking your dyslexic child's potential lies beyond the classroom? Could the rhythmic gait of a horse hold the secret to improved reading and writing skills? Today’s episode is a look at the fascinating world of equine therapy, exploring how it can complement traditional literacy instruction. 

As you’ll hear, working with horses can complement traditional reading intervention and support your dyslexic child’s overall development, so join me as we examine this unexpected path to literacy success! 

Here are some helpful links to the resources mentioned in this episode: 

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

Easterseals Southwest Florida

PATH International 

As well, If you haven’t heard listened to the past episodes that were mentioned, you can tune into them by clicking the links below: 

Ep 14 What is the OG Approach and Guiding Principles?

Ep 42 The Social-Emotional Effects of Dyslexia

Topics Covered:

  • How working with horses can complement traditional reading intervention for dyslexic children, and the surprising link between equine therapy and learning differences [1:01]
  • Understanding hippotherapy and the physical benefits it can have in developing the essential skills for child’s reading and writing  [2:36]
  • How interacting with horses can provide nonverbal communication benefits [3:31]
  • The ways in which hippotherapy and therapeutic riding differ, and how both can support underlying skills for reading and writing [4:41] 
  • Different approaches programs may offer and how they help children in different ways [4:47]
  • Practical advice on finding programs accredited by PATH International, ensuring licensed therapists and high standards of safety and effectiveness [5:54]

    • Key Takeaways

    • Why it’s important to understand this type of therapy isn’t a replacement for evidence-based reading instruction, but it is a powerful tool to enhance crucial underlying skills
    • The physical movements of horses address the physical and neurological aspects that can impact a child’s learning
    • Working with horses fosters nonverbal communication skills and builds confidence in dyslexic children
    • When considering equine therapy, it's essential to seek out accredited programs with licensed therapists, particularly for hippotherapy

      • When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:

      Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!

      Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.

      Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.

      Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.

      I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.

      Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

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      Literacy Untangled PodcastBy Jennie Sjursen
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